Christopher and Roberta Laundrie became figures of intense public interest following the disappearance and death of Gabby Petito Brian Laundrie's fiancée. Their silence during the search for Petito and their subsequent actions drew heavy criticism from the media law enforcement and the public. Netflix's docuseries American Murder : Gabby Petito revisits this case prompting renewed interest in the Laundries and their current lives.
Who Are Christopher and Roberta Laundrie?
Christopher and Roberta Laundrie are Brian Laundrie's parents. They resided in North Port Florida when Gabby Petito and Brian moved in with them. Before settling in North Port the Laundries lived in various towns in Long Island New York and the tri-state area. In North Port Chris and Roberta established Juicer Services Inc. a business dealing in commercial juicing equipment. Chris served as president and Roberta as vice president. The business is currently marked as "permanently closed" online.
Cassie Laundrie Brian's sister also lived in Florida during the period Gabby and Brian resided there. According to Gabby’s friend Rose Davis in the Netflix series Gabby had difficulties getting along with Brian’s family especially his mother Roberta.
Brian Laundrie's Parents' Actions During Gabby Petito's Disappearance
Gabby Petito was reported missing in September 2021 by her mother Nichole Schmidt after communication became sporadic and a suspicious text was received. Police investigation revealed Brian Laundrie had returned to their Florida home with Gabby's van but without Gabby. When questioned Brian and his parents offered no information directing authorities to their lawyer. On September 17 Brian was also reported missing just two days prior to the discovery of Gabby’s body in Wyoming's Bridger-Teton National Forest. Her death was ruled a homicide by strangulation.
After extensive searches authorities found Brian Laundrie's remains in Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park along with personal items including a notebook and backpack. His parents were present during this discovery. Brian’s death was later determined to be a suicide by a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Court depositions from November 2023 revealed Brian called his parents up to 20 times in the two days after Gabby was last seen alive. In one call Brian reportedly told his father Christopher that Gabby was "gone" and he needed a lawyer. Petito family attorney Pat Reilly noted most calls were between Brian and his mother Roberta.
Did Brian Laundrie's Parents Know About Gabby Petito's Death?
During one phone call with his parents Brian Laundrie stated Gabby was "gone" and he needed legal representation. While Christopher Laundrie acknowledged Brian's frantic state he downplayed the meaning of "gone" suggesting Gabby sometimes left for short periods. This response and the Laundries' overall lack of cooperation fueled speculation about their knowledge of Gabby's fate.
The "Burn After Reading" Letter and Controversy
Netflix's American Murder: Gabby Petito featured excerpts from a letter Roberta Laundrie wrote to Brian. This letter found with Brian’s remains was labeled "burn after reading". In it Roberta expressed unwavering love for Brian offering to help him in extreme circumstances such as "dispose of a body" or assist him if he were jailed. Roberta claimed the letter was written before the trip and unrelated to Gabby. However Petito's family disputed this arguing its relevance in their lawsuit against Brian’s parents .
Lawsuit from Gabby Petito's Parents
In March 2022 Gabby’s parents Joseph Petito and Nichole Schmidt initiated a civil lawsuit against Christopher and Roberta Laundrie. The lawsuit alleged the Laundries assisted Brian in covering up Gabby’s murder and intended to help him flee. The Petitos sought damages for emotional distress reportedly starting at $100000 and later amended to at least $300000. They claimed Brian's parents knew of Gabby’s murder and the location of her body during the missing person investigation. In February 2024 the families reached a confidential settlement in this emotional distress lawsuit just before it was set for trial.
Where Are Brian Laundrie's Parents Now?
Christopher and Roberta Laundrie have maintained a low profile since Gabby's murder. The confidential settlement in the civil lawsuit concluded in February 2024 seemingly aiming to put the legal matter behind them. Brian’s sister Cassie’s social media activity suggests she has been out of contact with her parents for nearly two years as of February 2024. She has also expressed missing her brother and acknowledged the pain surrounding his death in online posts.
Community Reaction to Brian Laundrie's Parents
Since Gabby Petito’s murder Brian Laundrie’s parents have faced ostracism in their Florida community . Neighbors report a palpable sense of animosity towards Christopher and Roberta. The Netflix docuseries American Murder: Gabby Petito has amplified negative feelings with some neighbors expressing increased anger and disgust towards the Laundries.
Some neighbors describe the Laundries as "horrible people" feeling they prolonged the Petito family's pain to protect their son. Reports indicate some community members have even resorted to throwing garbage and insults at the Laundrie residence reflecting strong disapproval of their actions during and after the Gabby Petito case.
What Brian Laundrie's Parents' Story Means For True Crime Documentaries
The Brian Laundrie parents' story highlights a complex aspect of true crime narratives the role and scrutiny of family members connected to perpetrators. American Murder: Gabby Petito like other true crime documentaries brings personal tragedies into the public sphere. The series examination of the Laundrie's actions raises questions about parental responsibility complicity and the balance between legal rights and moral obligations in such cases. It also demonstrates how true crime media can intensify public sentiment and community reactions towards individuals involved even indirectly in tragic events.
Our Take On Community Reaction Towards Brian Laundrie's Parents
The community's negative reaction towards Brian Laundrie's parents is understandable given the tragic circumstances of Gabby Petito's murder and the Laundries' uncooperative behavior. Grief and anger are natural responses in such situations. However the expressions of intense animosity and ostracism raise ethical questions about collective punishment and the extent to which family members should be held accountable for the crimes of their relatives. While public sentiment is a powerful force it is important to consider the line between understandable outrage and actions that might be considered harassment or excessive. The Laundrie case serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of crime and the enduring impact on both victims' families and the communities involved.